As cloud computing has gained widespread use, traditional paper copies and filing cabinets have become less prevalent. However, situations may arise where signing a PDF document is necessary, posing a challenge if you lack immediate access to a printer and scanner.
The remedy lies in embracing digital methods. You can digitally create your signature using your finger, a stylus, or a mouse cursor and then affix it to the PDF. There are several diverse approaches to accomplish this, giving you the flexibility to select the method that aligns with your preferences.
Here is how to sign a PDF or any document digitally.
Let’s delve into three distinct methods for digitally signing a PDF or any document on your device. These approaches include:
- Windows.
- macOS.
- Android Phones.
- iPhone or iPad.
- other options.
How to sign digitally on Windows.
If you’re seeking a native PDF signing tool within the Windows environment, your optimal choice is the Microsoft Edge browser included with the operating system. To access a file, simply drag it into a browser tab from the File Explorer or use the Ctrl+O shortcut to select the document.
At the upper part of the screen, a new toolbar will be visible. Click the small arrow adjacent to “Draw” to select the color and line thickness for your signature. Once you’ve made your selections, imprint your signature onto the document using your mouse or trackpad. If your Windows device is touchscreen-enabled, you can also use your finger.
If you’re dissatisfied with your digital signature and wish to start anew, click the icon resembling an eraser. When you’re content with the outcome, proceed to the save icons located at the upper-right corner of your screen – they resemble floppy disks. Click the left icon to save directly over the original PDF, or select the right icon (with the pen symbol) to save the signed document as a new file.
How to sign digitally on MacOS.
On Apple’s desktop operating system, your go-to built-in tool for PDF signing is the user-friendly Preview application. Generally, PDFs will open in this tool with a simple double-click, but if that’s not happening, you can easily launch the app through a Spotlight search. Simply type “preview” in the search bar that appears when you press Command + Spacebar. Once you’ve located the program, open your document by navigating to the “File” menu and selecting “Open.”
Once the relevant file is displayed in Preview, you’ll notice an icon on the top toolbar resembling a signature. If this option isn’t visible, navigate to “View” and click on “Show Markup Toolbar” located toward the bottom of the menu. Click the signature button and then choose “Create Signature.” There are multiple ways to proceed: you can draw your signature on your trackpad, hold a paper with your signature up to your Mac’s webcam, or sign using your finger or an Apple Pencil on an iPhone or iPad linked to the same Apple ID as your computer.
After you’ve completed the signature, click “Done” and your signature will be placed within the document. You can then adjust its position and size as required. The signature you’ve created will be saved automatically for future use. This means that the next time you open a document in Preview, you can simply click on the signature icon, and your autograph will be readily available for insertion wherever it’s needed.
For saving changes to the existing PDF, select “File” followed by “Save.” Alternatively, if you prefer to generate a fresh file, opt for “File” and then “Export.”
How to sign digitally on Android devices.
If you’re looking to sign a PDF on your Android device without the hassle of downloading and registering for an additional app. Google Drive, which is likely already installed on your device, offers a solution.
Open the PDF, then tap the edit button located at the bottom right, represented by a pen icon with a scribble next to it.
Select the pen tool at the bottom left and choose a color and line thickness for your signature. Once you’ve made these choices, you can directly sign on the document. If you need to start over, you can use the eraser or the undo (backward arrow) buttons on the toolbar.
To save your changes, you can either tap “Save” to overwrite the original PDF, or tap the three dots at the top right and choose “Save copy” to create a separate file.
if you prefer not to use Google Drive Android provides a variety of third-party alternatives. For instance, Adobe Fill & Sign can scan a handwritten signature from a piece of paper, and apps like JetSign can handle various file types, including PDFs and Word documents.
How to sign digitally on iPhone or iPad.
The digital signing features on iPhone and iPad closely match those on macOS, and you’ll find the relevant tools in the Files app. Open a PDF in Files, then tap the icon in the bottom right corner that looks like a pen filling out a form. This brings up a list of your existing signatures, including ones you might have created on your Mac.
You also have the option to tap on “Add or Remove Signature” represented by the + (plus) icon, to generate a new signature using your finger or an Apple Pencil. After you’ve picked a signature, you can adjust its position within the document by dragging it with your finger, and resize it by manipulating the blue handles situated along the edges.
Once satisfied, tap “Done” to save your changes directly to the existing file. Alternatively, if you wish to maintain a separate copy, tap the file name at the top left corner, and then select “Duplicate.“
Other options to sign digitally.
If you’re inclined to explore and assess different tools, there are additional alternatives at your disposal. In case your PDF files are stored in Dropbox, you can access them through the web interface. Upon opening a document, click on “Add signatures” and select “Self-sign” to incorporate your signature. This can be achieved by either drawing using your mouse or trackpad, generating a signature using a preferred font, or uploading an image of your signature sourced from another location.
